Download - TRAMP - Arbeit und Leben DGB/VHS

TRAMP – Transnational Mobility of Older People in Europe
166 Part II
Necessary materials:
Facilitation cards, pin board, flip chart, pens, adhesive tape
Subject areas for intercultural specifics
• Manners of greeting
• Social manners
• Clothing
• Meals
• Hospitality
• Gifts
• Family and job
• Work
• Collective or individual
• Hierarchy
• Religion
• Gender relationship
• Dealing with authorities and other institutions
• Conflict management
• Understanding of time
Intercultural specifics (Example for a hand-out for the participants )
The following list illustrates, in a very simplified form, a few important cultural differences
throughout Europe. They merely reflect tendencies, as neither regional, nor gender or
age-specific differences can be taken into consideration at this point.
Manners of greeting
In many countries politeness and adequate manners of greeting are very important. The
manners of greeting can vary considerably (handshake, embrace, kiss on the cheek etc.)
and may also convey varying degrees of cordiality or distance. One should also be aware
of the fact that this might not necessarily reflect the actual sentiment.
Social manners
Differences regarding intensity also exist in terms of social manners beyond the greeting
ritual. While some regions might focus on an authentic demeanour, frequently including
reservations upon first contacts, a strong demonstration of courtesy is more important
elsewhere. Caution is required when interpreting behaviour, because it might happen
that one side may be considered too exuberant or even hypocritical, while the other will
be seen as rude or reserved.
Clothing
The standards of clothing vary as well. While in some countries the styles of clothing
might be more casual, it is important in others to pay respect to the other side by dressing
well (suit and tie).